ASF in Ukraine: cases, consequences and forecasts

The first case of African swine fever (ASF) in Ukraine was recorded in 2012 in Zaporizhzhia region. 2015 became a challenge for Ukrainian pig sector, as the ASF was found in several northern regions of the country — Kyiv, Zhytomyr, Rivne, Sumy, Chernigiv. Here outbreaks of the disease were revealed in wild nature (among wild boars) and in backyard households.

July, 28^ththe disease was recorded in Kalyta, PJSC in Kyiv region, which is one of the biggest pig complexes of Ukraine. This was the first commercial farmoutbreak. All animals were killed and burned. There were almost 63 thousand heads.

Kalyta pigs were bought by several meat processing plants in Kyiv and other regions. To clear up the situation, in parallel to state fact-findings the Association of Pig Breeders of Ukraine has done its own monitoring. The goal of this investigation is to show up the number of contractors and to avoid panic that has started to grow among pig breeders. Among 30 examined enterprises, 10confirmed collaboratin with Kalyta during July .But after the formal acknowledgement of ASF on the farm, they have passed through disinfection

Consequences of the last outbreaks

• Ukrainian Government has already allocated 45 mln UAH for ASF-liquidation campaign in Kyiv and Poltava regions.
• The state authorities cancelled the moratorium on pig farm inspections by Veterinary Services.
• The possibility of animal products’ export ban is being widely talked about. Imposing such a restriction may significantly influence the domestic pork market, as export of pork rose sevenfold compared to the amount sold abroad during January-July, 2014. Such an increase is mostly due to activization of trade with Russian Federation, which absorbs about 97% of outer deliveries of Ukrainian pork. However, according to Rosselkhoznadzor official web-site, 7 Ukrainian meat processing companies are allowed to sell pork meat to Russian contractors, the trade from two more processors is under tightened control.

Forecasts

ASF may spread beyond the endemic area with center in northern part of Chernigiv region. Next affected regions can be Poltava and Sumy. Spreading of African fever in Polesye may happen in short time among wild boars with gradual pervasion in private sector.